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The Big Toast, a Great Gatsby-themed benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Ocean State, blends the decadence of the roaring 20s with the philanthropic spirit of the modern age. Partygoers are invited to dress in flapper dresses and fedoras (or business casual). They can also sample their fill of fine wines, craft beers, and quality liquors, celebrating just like the Prohibition-Era speakeasy dwellers did.
The evening's entertainment takes place at the Linden Place Museum. Throughout its storied history, the well-maintained mansion has entertained four presidents, generations of socialites, and famous performers such as Ethel Barrymore Colt. Appropriately enough, it even served as a set for the 1974 film adaptation of the The Great Gatsby.

Added to the WaterFire Providence exhibit by sculptor Barnaby Evans in 2009, Starry, Starry Night is a luminous display of 100 blue star lamps suspended like ornaments on the trees in Memorial Park. Add to this effulgent exhibit of public art with your own blue lamp, which you can hang and to which you can attach a ribbon with a personalized wish, such as "world peace" or "Monkey, stop scratching me." Additionally, you'll place two Luminaria candle lanterns directly underneath your bluish beacon, each containing special dedication cards.

The fourth annual Southern New England Golf Expo brings club swingers one step closer to the ever-elusive hole-in-one with live demos, seminars, and booths from more than 50 brands, businesses, and vendors. Visit the 10-bay indoor driving rage to test-swing equipment from the likes of Callaway, Nike Golf, and Taylor Made, or glean tips from seasoned professionals during the "Tune Up With A Pro" seminar, which teaches golfers when to let go of their clubs as they sail into water hazards. Expo-goers can also enter to win myriad golf prizes, and all visitors will receive either a one-year subscription to Golf Digest or a six-month subscription to Golf World. The Southern New England Golf Expo donates its proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club of Providence, which was founded in 1868 to help fund character-building extracurricular programs for at-risk youth.

Having already delivered a thrilling host of hits and collisions in its inaugural season of play, Rhode Island’s first semi-professional rugby team makes a push for playoff seeding with its last scheduled home game. Formed in January from the bitter core of Arctic permafrost, the Rhode Island Rebellion squad has quickly developed into a fearsome member of the eight-team USA Rugby League with its hard-hitting roster and unquenchable thirst for on-field dominance. Boasting four hard-earned points thus far in the season, the Rebellion seeks to establish itself as a perennial powerhouse with a strong conclusion to its opening campaign.

The RI Haunted House within Dave & Buster's acquaints patrons with the vibrant world of the undead between action-packed arcade games. Brave voyagers cross the threshold into a ghastly shipyard where phantom pirates lurk around every corner, waiting for their chance to frighten unsuspecting dwellers or politely ask them for spare doubloons. Explorers can gather shaken wits afterward with competitive bouts of racing, dancing, or tax-return filing on one of Dave & Buster's many video games and ticketed redemption games. Be sure to check the hours before attending.

A skater-owned organization, Providence Roller Derby rewards wheeled shareholders and raucous spectators with fiercely competitive action, clever rink wear, and stamina-demanding athleticism. Pack into the Rhode Island Convention Center for 60 minutes of skate-clad action as the league's two traveling teams defend home hardwood against swift interlopers. Co-captains Hot Apply Cry and Hot Sauce lead the red-kerchiefed Riveters into tilts against the Dutchland Derby Rollers’ All-Star team and the raven-aided Poe's Punishers to settle simmering rivalries and arguments over the proper treatment for rink rash. Undefeated in 2010, the Killah Bees join the Riveters for a late-summer doubleheader against the forces of French Canada in a skate-aided intercontinental incident.

Groupon Guide

One of the most fabulous parts of Boston is its sheer beauty. All over the city proper there are lovely spots to pull up a spot of grass, relax and watch time pass by. Of course, doing so with a lovely bite of food is ever more attractive. So, I’ve compiled my go to list of the best spots to sit, relax and enjoy a picnic in this great city!
The Esplanade. The Esplanade refers to a section of the Charles River, on the Boston side, in Boston proper. It is the site of our beloved Hatch Shell where we celebrate the 4th of July with the acclaimed Boston Pops, and where numerous other summer concert series happen. It houses multiple boat docks, running/biking/ walking trails and, of course, gorgeous views of the Charles River. Pull up a spot of grass, or claim some space on one of its many docks for your perfect picnic.
The Esplanade connects easily to Beacon Hill’s iconic Charles Street, home to a plethora of shops, and, more importantly, restaurants and food stores. Looking for a light snack to enjoy while watching the boats float past? Savenor’s Market (yes Julia Child’s old haunt) has an incredible selection of fruits, cheeses, cured meats and bread from which to make a feast. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, I’d suggest Panificio whose list of freshly prepared sandwiches, piping hot pizza, salads, and a fine tomato soup will arm you with enough goodies to feed an army. Those with a sweet tooth, have no fear, Isabelle’s Curly Cakes owned by the daughter of the culinary legend Todd English, has a bounty of cupcake creations to pick from, and Café Vanille is offering up French style pastries.
Fort Point Channel. Fort Point Channel, located on the westernmost side of South Boston, was long ago abandoned to cargo ships and their freight. Over the past several years however the area has been refurbished, and now, lovingly referred to as Fort Point Channel, it is a bustling hub full of restaurants, hotels and condos. It has fantastic views of the channel, providing a continuous dance of charter boats, personal vessels, commuter boats and cargo ships. The perfect location to view all of this activity and enjoy some delicious treats sits just behind the Joseph Moakley Courthouse; an area designed for outdoor dining with plenty of benches and tables. Another favorite spot, for me, is on the steps behind the Institute of Contemporary Art. Though it may not have been designed for the random picnic-goer its slightly secluded, architecturally intriguing space is ripe for lingering. Additionally, there are plenty of spots along the boardwalk that runs perpendicular to Congress and Atlantic Streets, offering incomparable views of downtown Boston and the Financial District.
Just a block down Congress Street from the boardwalk sits a small street named Farnsworth. There, on little Farnsworth Street, exist two perfect gems for picnic dining. Recently opened this past March, the Bee’s Knees Supply Company has made quite a splash. House cured meats, pate’s and even burrata cheese are just the start of its selections. The team has a menu chock full of artfully prepared sandwiches, salads using fresh, healthy ingredients, and homemade classics like hamburgers and calzones. They are also, let it be known, making their own chocolate confections in house. The team at Bee’s Knees will happily let you wander through their store picking out your own provisions, or they will create a perfect basket for you to take along on your journey. If, in some strange world, you don’t find what you’re looking for at Bee’s Knees, take a wander just next door to Flour Bakery. Owned by one of Boston’s greatest chefs, Joanne Chang, Flour offers up a wide selection of sandwiches and soups, all made to order, as well as a very full selection of Chang’s incredible pastries (i.e. her widely acclaimed cinnamon bun).
Christopher Columbus Park. The Christopher Columbus Park sits just at the crossroads of bustling Faneuil Hall and the equally busy North End. It provides a bit of an oasis from all of the hustle with its covered walkways, gentle fountains and rolling lots of grass where invariably cute dogs are found frolicking. The real beauty here though, beyond the panoramic views of the harbor, is the proximity to the North End making this the perfect spot to enjoy all of those amazing Italian delights al fresco!
Just down Richmond Street towards the heart of the North End lies Salumeria Italiana, an Italian grocer that seems to transport every customer to the hallowed streets of Italy as they enter through the door. Cured meats, and cheeses seemingly overflow from their cases, and freshly prepared Italian delicacies like octopus salad can be found amongst such other favorites as pasta salad and caprese salad. They’ll prepare heaping full sandwiches for you to take on your way and their store offers a bounty of other hidden treats. Of course if you travel just a bit further up to Hanover Street, the bounty lies ahead of you. Pick up made to order cannolis or a slice of ricotta pie at Modern Pastry. Head down to Galleria Umberto for a Sicilian slice or two, and then find that perfect spot in the oasis of the Christopher Columbus Park and indulge, away from the crowds, but with all the benefits of the true North End experience.
It is safe to say that this is not an exhaustive list. Boston offers perfect picnicking locations throughout its limits with fantastic views, sweet breezes and even some good people watching. Get on out there and find your spot!

One of the many great advantages of living in a city like Boston is access to workshops and classes. Whether you are looking to hone your history knowledge or test your glass blowing skills, there’s the opportunity to learn - and who knows, you may just find a new hobby along the way. (Find more crafts to explore with deals on things to do in Boston.)
When I think about craft, Jamaica Plain always comes to mind. Whether you want to partake in a group workshop, take an independent lesson, or even just witness a crafter in process, there’s an abundance of opportunity in this Boston neighborhood.
In Jamaica Plain, you can try your hand at welding or jewelry making at Stonybrook Fine Arts. It would be pretty incredible to have a metal sculpture sitting in your living room that you welded, right? Just down the road, you’ll come across The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, where you can learn how to finally reupholster that antique chair you bought five years ago. The Eliot School also offers drawing, mixed media, knitting and even soap making.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you could try your hand at glass blowing. Diablo Glass School offers a variety of courses - all the way from introductory glass blowing to stained glass workshops to special events. On the last Friday of each month, Diablo hosts workshops complete with wine and cheese. We’d love to make some glass beads with a group of friends!
It can be intimidating to try something new, which is the reason we love JP Knit & Stitch, which offers many opportunities for newcomers. They offer crash course workshops that allow you to dive into sewing (or knitting) headfirst. You will also find knitting and crocheting courses here.
Once you’ve tried your hand at crafts in Jamaica Plain, there are many other courses available throughout the city. If you are looking to tap into your culinary ambitions or acting skills, there’s a class for that!

Summer’s heating up, and we’ve got a few ways to cool off. Try a free museum night, a beer- and animal-themed fundraiser, and—of course—ice cream. Or check Groupon for more fun things to do in Boston.
Neighborhood Nights at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Fenway-Kenmore | Thursday, July 10, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
The eclectic art museum opens its doors for the first of three summer evenings of live music, storytelling, and family-friendly activities (additional events are scheduled for July 24 and August 7). Zili Misik will deliver upbeat Haitian, Brazilian, and West African tunes, while guest artist Susan Thompson displays her nature-inspired works and kids create their own graphic stories with help from illustrator Raúl the Third. (25 Evans Way; free)
Party for the Animals Fundraiser
Cambridge | Friday, July 11, 8 p.m. to midnight
Now might be a good time to test-drive this year’s Halloween ensemble. This fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of Boston features an animal-themed costume contest, including awards for Best Fictional Animal and Best Animal Meme. Expect plenty of lolcats, doge jokes, and face painting from “practically professional face painters.” The 21-and-over evening will also include a cash bar and a performance by the mysterious Keytar Bear. (Workbar, 45 Prospect St., Cambridge; $20+; buy tickets here)
WGBH Ice Cream Fun Fest
Brighton | Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Is there anything better for combating the summer heat than a big scoop of ice cream? How about dozens of scoops from the likes of Ben & Jerry’s, Friendly’s, J.P. Licks, and many more? Try as many flavors as you like at the WGBH-hosted festival, which includes kid-friendly games, rides, and performers. (WGBH Studios, 1 Guest St.; $10+; buy tickets here)
Photo by Siena Scarff, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum